Tales From the World’s End

Directed by Kath Burlinson, Music & Lyrics by Mairi Campbell and David Francis

The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen, 5 West North Street, Aberdeen, AB24 5AT

4th – 5th August 2011

Alpha Diallo

Director Kath Burlinson is thrilled to be joining forces with musician/singer/composers Mairi Campbell and David Francis, whose version of ‘Auld Lang Syne’ was used in the movie of Sex and the City, to create a new project for Aberdeen International Youth Festival. We are planning an ambitious and exciting project involving 36 performers and a group of young musicians.

The material we are going to explore is based on storytelling, in song and spoken word. What makes a good story? Can you become a great storyteller? Most great songs in the musical theatre tell a story…but storytelling songs come from a much older tradition, of ballads sung to spread the news of the day, to speak of love and loss, injustice and heartbreak, fantasy and harsh realities. As well as using some older stories, we will create some new ones, based on what the cast feel is important, interesting, and imaginative. The cast can expect to be stretched in every way as they learn how to deepen their authenticity and presence on stage.

Kath Burlinson has directed/devised and written projects for YMT since the formation of the company in 2004. Projects have included Over the Edge (Belfast Festival), Goblin Market (Edinburgh Festival Fringe), Persona, Rare Dreams, Missing Mel (Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Cochrane Theatre, London), The Silver Bough (Aberdeen International Youth Festival) and Eight. Many of the young people with whom I have worked are now in the profession or training at the country’s top drama and musical theatre schools.

Director's Notes from Kath Burlinson

Director’s Notes

Tales from the World’s End began as an idea when I learned that Mairi Campbell and David Francis lead the Aberdeen International Youth Festival’s traditional music school, Splore.

I had worked with Mairi and Dave before and became excited about collaborating on a piece that would bring together Scottish young musicians with YMT’s nationally auditioned young performers.

After a meeting with renowned storyteller David Campbell, who told me about his long involvement with Duncan Williamson, I began to read Williamson’s stories and thought they held lots of dramatic and musical potential.

YMT shows are made fast - we began at lunchtime on Monday July 25 and are performing the first show ten days later. During our rehearsal period the cast and band had intense learning and bonding opportunities, as they got a taste of professional working practices and experience personal as well creative self-development. At the time of writing these words, none of us knew what was going to unfold. And that is what is so exciting.

I am very grateful to Linda Williamson, who has generously allowed us to use Duncan’s stories. I am also grateful to the YMT and AIYF staff and pastoral team, who provide the support and structure within which our creative journey can take place.

I hope you enjoy our trip to the World’s End...

Creative & production team
Cast & musicians

Company members are subject to change

Director Kath Burlinson
Composer Mairi Campbell David Francis

Cast

Holly Atkinson
Georgia Borne
Davina Brownrigg
Hannah Chaney
Joanna Clarke
Victoria Compson-Bradford
Iona Crampton
Laura Eden
Kate Elliot
Simon Evans
Glen Facey
Sophie Feek
Megan Fitzpatrick
Edward Gaffney
Dervla Guckian
Laura Harris
Kay Heenan
Jessica Hillyard
Sine Jones
Megan Laird-Drummond
Kate Lansdale
Bethany Low
Mei Mac
Megan Mackenzie
Jack Mason
Heather Massie
Megan McCole
Joanne McKinstry
Camilla Norris
Stacey O'Shea
Abbie Paxton
Meggie Seymour
Stephanie Sims
Isla van der Heiden
Alice Vickery
Atlanta Vowden
Kirsten Waddell
Luke Waddon